Around 60 dead, 231 injured in Manipur violence: CM Biren Singh

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday said that around 60 people have died in the recent clashes in the northeastern state.

"Around 60 innocent people have lost their lives, 231 people suffered injuries and around 1700 houses burned down in the unfortunate incident of May 3," N Biren Singh said.

He also appealed to people to bring peace and calm to the state. "Transportation of stranded persons to their respective locations has started," he added.

Violent clashes broke out in the northeastern state after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the 10 hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, leading to the deaths of at least 54 people.

Meiteis, which account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population, live mostly in the Imphal valley, while tribals (Nagas and Kukis) constitute another 40 per cent of the population and they live in the hill districts.

The Manipur CM said that 20,000 stranded persons have been evacuated till now. "Around 10,000 people remain stranded. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been monitoring the situation from the day of the incident till today. He has sent many companies of Central forces," Biren Singh said.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre and the Manipur government to take necessary steps for raising security and relief and rehabilitation efforts for those hit by ethnic violence in the north-eastern state, while taking note of submissions that no untoward incidents have been reported there in the last two days.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre as well as the state government, informed the bench about the steps taken to deal with the violence and said 52 companies of the central armed police force, besides Army and Assam Rifles contingents, have been deployed in the strife-torn areas.

The apex court posted the pleas related to Manipur violence for further hearing on May 17 and asked the Centre and state to file updated status reports by then.

More than 23,000 people have been rescued and sheltered in military garrisons and relief camps.